Saints make a statement ahead of semi-final clash
Wellington Saints warmed up for their play-off semi final against the Auckland Huskies with a convincing 85-61 win against the same side.
Your Wellington Saints make it 2/2 this weekend, getting the win against the Sky Tower Auckland Huskies!!
Make sure you grab your tickets to the semi finals next weekend!! Get your tickets from ticketek and come support the boys 💙#salsnbl #saintsfamily #wellingtonsaints pic.twitter.com/tYGvq3qHWE
— Saints Basketball (@saintswgtn) July 17, 2021
In a dress rehearsal for the meeting on Thursday night (NZ time), the Saints once again demonstrated their fearsome quality with their 16th win from 18 league games.
The match
They started the game strongly with Dione Prewster and Taane Samuel both playing key roles. The visitors led 27-17 at the end of the first quarter.
The second quarter was much closer with the Huskies taking it 21-17.
Tom Vodanovich was influential for the hosts, scoring 14 points and making seven rebounds.
The Saints had a six-point lead at half-time and went up a gear in the third quarter with Prewster showing his class.
They closed out the match with ease in the final quarter, taking it 22-12.
What does it mean?
The manner of the win was a statement from Zico Coronel’s side ahead of the play-offs. They won their final eight games of the group and will go into the final four clash in top form.
The Huskies will hope to bounce back after their first defeat in seven games.
Prewster shows his class
Dion Prewster was the best player on the court, scoring 23 points, making nine rebounds and eight assists.
Here is his shot chart below, provided by FIBA LiveStats. As shown, all of his throws were in close proximity to the basket. He was successful with 10 of his 15 attempts, a success rate of 66%.
